Born Aug. 7, 1914, in Brunswick, Md., he was the son of the late Harry Frederick Forney and Mary E. Howe Forney, and stepmother, Elizabeth V. Main Forney.

He was a graduate of Bath District High School, Berkeley Springs, Class of 1933. He also attended George Washington University and American University, both in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Lou Johnson, and his brother, Richard M. Forney.

He is survived by one brother, John Frederick Forney of Berkeley Springs; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A lifetime member of Alderton-Dawson American Legion Post No. 60, he was retired from the U.S. Army, having served for 23 years, including World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, while attached to the 101st Airborne, he made combat jumps in Normandy and Holland, and fought at the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Belgium. His many awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star and five Purple Hearts in combat action.

He was a beloved member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hancock, Md. The following are a few testimonies of his fellow church members:

“We will always remember you as a brave and great man, who was the example of strength, courage and missionary zeal to all whose lives you touched.” “Thank you for you service in the Lord’s Army; you have influenced us all for a lifetime.” “I feel so grateful to have known you and can honestly say you are one of the heroes of my life.”

The family and church will receive visitors at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 200 Douglas St., Hancock, MD 21750, between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2012, and again from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. Funeral services will be held at the church at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012, with interment at Park Heights Cemetery in Brunswick, Md., at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hancock.